Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment.

Located in Northwestern Illinois, near Oregon and Rockford, White Pines Inn resembles a pioneer village with 25 authentic one-room log cabins with gas fireplaces. Set among the towering pines, the cabins have beautiful hardwood floors the color of maple syrup. Each cabin has a queen, hand-hewn log bed with a double bed trundle underneath, and a private bath. There are 13 one-room cabins with open-beamed ceilings. There are 12 additional cabins built in groups of four under one roof.

At Eagle's Nest Bluff in Lowden State Park, proudly stands a 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly revering the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. Commonly called Black Hawk, after the legendary Chieftain, the statue was created as a tribute to all the Native Americans who once called the area their home.

Tour the restored home that the Reagan family resided in from 1920-1923, and meander through the Visitor Center and Gift Shop which features books and gifts highlighting the Reagan legacy. The tour includes the four-room Presidential Timeline exhibit and the viewing of a Reagan biographical video.

Four-bedroom home on 15 acres overlooking a stream and a pond. Over 4,000 square feet with a fully exposed, walkout basement. Fireplace, huge two-level cedar deck, big-screen home theater center, and many antiques. Perfect for corporate and private retreats, holiday parties, wedding parties and as a vacation home.

Castle Rock State Park is located three miles south of Oregon on Highway 2. The 2,000-acre park includes rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plant associations. In one valley, 27 different types of ferns have been identified. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name. Picnic area amenities include tables, shelters, grills, toilets, drinking water and playground equipment. Six miles of marked hiking trails have been developed, and a public boat ramp/parking facility is located across from the park's main entrance.

Hailey's Winery specializes in handcrafted wines from grape varieties native to Illinois, as well as other varietals, and seasonal fruits. We are a fully functioning winery, with all wines produced and bottled on the premises. Wine tastings are available in our tasting room any time during our business hours, and we also have weekend music events. In addition to wine, we have homemade bread, cheeses, chocolates, and gift items.

One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County. The bluffs are graced with a majestic image of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. This is no ordinary statue. It is a 50 foot, concrete-reinforced wonder that is awe-inspiring. A tribute to all Native Americans, but more commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, the statue was designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. You can enjoy many wonderful views of the Rock River from the park, but the best view of the statue is from IL Rt. 2.

A delicious mixture of cocoa is found every which way along the Blackhawk Chocolate Trail in the four-county area of Northwest Illinois. Enjoy visiting candy stores, bed and breakfasts with special chocolate-themed packages, gift shops and old-fashioned soda fountains.

Hospitality abounds! Nestled along the beautiful Rock River, this cozy six-guestroom lodge offers a wonderful all-season porch with fireplace. Perfect for your next group retreat. Offering breakfast buffet for groups. Close to many attractions. Guest are welcome to use our private boat ramp. Or just relax and fish from our quiet river bank, or in a hammock at the river's edge. At Becky & Don's small but quaint lodge, it's all about relaxation and "Old Time Hospitality". Visit us on our FUN Web site for more information. Pets welcomed. Open year round.

We provide information on Dixon area attractions as well as the Illinois Lincoln Highway. Purchase Reagan and Dixon souvenir items. Also houses the "Of The Prairie" Gift Shop specializing in Illinois Wines and other Illinois Products.

A relaxing country getaway for all seasons. Enjoy country hospitality and charm at this 5 acre retreat in Northern Illinois designed especially for couples seeking time away or small groups wanting to share time together. Also available for meetings, bridal or baby showers, or teas. In addition it can host small weddings, receptions, or reunions on wooded acreage.

John Deere has a presence around the world, but it all started right here in Grand Detour, Illinois. When you step foot on these grounds, it will feel like taking a step back in time. Hear the floorboards creak as you walk inside John Deere's home. Take in the beauty of the picturesque landscape. And feel the heat of fired steel inside the replica blacksmith shop. Whether you're a school group, a John Deere fan or a history buff, it's an experience you just can't miss.

The Rochelle Diamond Lodge is a charming lodge located just 50 yards from the Rochelle Train Park. Three Guest Suites are currently available and an actual caboose is on site and being renovated and will be available to stay in soon! The Lodge's comfortable and tasteful decor will make you feel right at home. It's all about relaxation, and who would want it any other way? Picnic tables in the back are the perfect spot to barbeque or enjoy a nice tall glass of lemonade in the summer and enjoy your privacy taking pictures in front of the on-site caboose! RAILFANS: Enjoy your day at the Railroad Park and then just walk back across the tracks to your Suite!

The Northwest Territory Historic Center is a History Research and Learning Center housed in President Ronald Reagan's boyhood South Central School; located in his hometown of Dixon, Illinois. Beautifully restored with the dedicated support of the townspeople and Reagan colleagues, the Center is proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and houses the Veterans History Project Regional Center, auditorium, research library, historical exhibits, art gallery, surround-sound theater and museum store. A visit to the Northwest Territory Historic Center includes: The Unchanged Land-an interactive exhibit on Native American & Black Hawk War; The Changing Land-an interactive exhibit on early American Farming; Ronald Reagan's Restored Classroom; Rock River Assembly Diorama; Chautauqua Assembly Building Model; Earth from Space Poster Exhibit; President Reagan History Room, changing historical exhibits, a museum store and much more.

A great place for kids! Beach surrounding the lake is perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles. Waterfall, rope swing, diving boards, slides and tire swing. Certified lifeguards on duty. Good food served daily in the lodge. Camp store, pavilion, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes, restrooms, shower facilities, water, electric hook-ups, dump station. Facilities include campsites with water & electric hook-ups and air conditioned cabins with kitchenettes & full bathrooms.

Nestled in the Rock River Valley, just 3 miles south of the town of Oregon, lies a 2,291-acre wooded area that is one of Ogle County's most beautiful and historic sites. Its scenic qualities come from 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles of riverfront forested with hardwood and pine trees. The history stems from the individual who, in the early part of the 20th century, augmented the natural hardwood forest by planting pines. Frank O. Lowden (1861-1943), Illinois' governor from 1917-1921, ardently embraced proper land use and strongly believed in reforestation as a way to retard soil erosion. Over several decades, an estimated 500,000 trees were seeded directly by him or under his supervision.

Abraham Lincoln, then 47, came to Sterling to speak at a rally for presidential candidate, John C. Fremont. On July 18, 1856, a twist of fate brought Mr. Lincoln to the home of Sheriff William Manahan to spend the night. He slept on a sofa with two chairs placed at its end to accommodate his long legs. In the morning he graciously thanked his host and left Sterling for a speaking engagement in Chicago and the rest is history! The home has been restored and its interior, furnishings, and facade reflect the time when Lincoln visited in the late 1850s.

A Bulgarian immigrant donated the Wings of Peace and Freedom sculpture to the City of Dixon. The artwork, which includes a full-size replica of a section of the Berlin Wall, recognizes President Reagan's efforts to attain worldwide peace and freedom.

This newly refurbished museum features displays of memorabilia relating to the history of German Valley and the surrounding area, including items from the Ostfriesian area of Germany. A kitchen area, bedroom, dining room, parlor, military room, and children's playroom are furnished with items from the past, and a display room offers a variety of exhibits. A schoolroom contains items of interest from German Valley's Pleasant Prairie Academy and other area schools. Farm and other outdoor exhibits are featured in an outdoor facility. Special events and displays are featured throughout the year. Open May through October, last Sunday of the month, 1 to 4pm or by appointment (815-362-3671).

This memorial commemorates Lincoln's 1832 service in the Black Hawk War, and consists of a bronze figure of Lincoln as a 23-year-old captain. The statue was dedicated in 1930 during the centennial celebration of the town of Dixon.

The Byron Museum Complex consists of a large Exhibit Hall and the historic Lucius Read House, which was on the Underground Railroad and is a listed site on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The Read House features a permanent exhibit entitled, ‘From Shackles to Freedom: The Underground Railroad’ which shines a spotlight on Byron’s participation in the Underground Railroad. We are happy to accommodate group tours outside regular hours. Tours are free and are self-guided or a docent can be arranged. We also have ample meeting space available.

Grassy shaded lots with gravel pads. Electric and water or primitive sites. Located on the Rock River. Basketball court, playground, good fishing, pool and complete bath facilities. Boat ramp to Rock River. Open April 15 – October 15. Easy access from I-88.

A stone and timber cottage in Dixon's historic Lowell Park, constructed with native limestone quarried on site, Woodcote ‚ the cottage in the woods ‚ was built 1909. Today, Woodcote is available for your enjoyment with privacy for any occasion: corporate retreats, weddings and receptions, showers, art or antique shows, etc.

The memorials here are a tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War, Korean War, Gulf War and World War II. The war memorials are the only ones built in the U.S. by youth, constructed by Boy Scouts of Troop 312 Rochelle as Eagle Projects.

Lincoln slept here two nights in 1856, as the guest of his friend Senator Aplington, the founder of the village of Polo. Learn about the history of Polo and view the Ogle County Military Museum, which showcases artifacts from all wars.

The 1878 Henry School, located on the Galena Trail, was used as an operating school until 1957. The Polo Historical Society has turned it back into an old country school, which includes displays on the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Barnacopia is a farm museum, events venue and Bed & Breakfast featuring two fully appointed guest rooms with full bathrooms and hot tubs all located in a silo next to the barn and the top floor of the silo is a library.

Blue Goose Run is the perfect farm setting for an outdoor wedding, family or class reunion, corporate or business meetings, and baby or bridal showers. Visit the Machine Shed Gift Shop and Corn Crib Restaurant.

The Kable House Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is beautifully situated on a nine acre site atop Sunset Hill and surrounded by the Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris; part of the Blackhawk Waterways region, stretching from the Rock River to the Mississippi and offering a multitude of recreational activities. They offer five suites with continental breakfast served in the privacy of your suite. Situated less than fifteen minutes from three state parks: Castle Rock, Lowden and the popular White Pines State Park which offer picnic areas, miles of hiking and a log cabin lodge for dining, also featuring a dinner theater.

Full line of cross-stitch supplies with hand-dyed threads. Also available are "affordable luxury soaps," lotions and beauty accessories made in Oregon, Illinois. In addition, Longaberger baskets, antiques and more are sold. Located in Conover Square Mall.

Located at the Byron Museum of History, this exhibit features Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Albert Spalding, from his youth in Byron to his league pitching career and the founding of the Spalding Sporting Goods Company.

Built in 1876, this 19-room museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the division headquarters for Illinois Central Railroad. The museum showcases local artifacts from Amboy and the surrounding area.

Located in the heart of downtown Dixon, Illinois, The Next Picture Show is a non-profit fine arts center in the Rock River Valley. Our goal is to nurture, develop, educate, foster the arts, and galvanize artists and patrons within the community. The Next Picture Show is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Imagine indulging yourself in the privacy of your own cabin with a full body massage & lingering leisurely over breakfast in bed provided by our own caterer. Extra Special touches available upon request. Arrangements can be made for extra-loving touches added to the cabin from rose petals, flowers & music, or send a special invitation asking them to join you for a relaxing getaway. One-tank trip from Western Suburbs of Chicago Relax in the rustic setting of our cozy cabins located on 10 wooded acres just minutes from Lake Carroll. Enjoy our friendly atmosphere beside a bonfire or hot tub! A romantic whirl-pool cabin with fireplace or country kitchenette can accommodate everything from intimate parties to family reunions. Open year-round.

This Italianate style mansion offers year 'round hospitality for that romantic getaway or an extended stay in Dixon. Elegance and relaxation await your arrival in the 12 spacious rooms furnished with Victorian furniture.

The Barn at Allen Acres Wedding and Reception Venue sits on 3 and 1/2 acres just on the edge of town in Rock Falls IL. The property is surrounded by a cornfield and offers a serene tranquil destination for your wedding and reception. The property is less than a 5 minute drive to restaurants and hotels. The Dairy Barn was built in the 1920's and restored in 2011. It boasts a beautiful 26 foot vaulted ceiling in the upstairs haymow with some of its original architecture still intact. During the process of the restoration, reclaimed barn wood and reclaimed hardware were used whenever possible, maintaining the rustic feel of the Barn. We've added a 5 foot wide set of stairs leading to the upstairs space and a small deck with stairs, off of the back of the Barn, giving the bride a dramatic entrance down the aisle and to the alter. The upstairs haymow has a capacity of 150 people for a wedding ceremony. The downstairs area, where the dairy cows were kept, in the early years of the barn, also has a capacity for 150 people.

Explore the largest Oliver Hart-Parr collection in the Midwest, including farm toys, advertising, and collectibles dating back to 1860, and real antique tractors and machinery. Bus and group tours are available, but should be scheduled in advance.

Located in the small village of Creston, Rouge Wine Cellar is a unique shop in northern Illinois specializing in fine wines, gifts and imported pottery. The store is located in the remodeled cellar of a historic building which has been brought back to glory by Eric and Debbie who returned to Creston after living abroad for many years. The Rouge Wine Cellar offers the relaxing atmosphere of Europe while also providing the visitor with a choice of today's greatest wines from 15 countries, including local Illinois wineries. Not only are we confident that you will find the perfect wine for your special occasion, but we invite you to try some of the bottles carefully selected by Eric for daily tastings. Let Debbie inspire you with her personal selection of imported pottery, glassware and accessories that will turn your gifts into unique conversation pieces. Come and see us, we promise you will be amazed!

Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!

Step back in time in the Loveland Museum and get a glimpse of Dixon and Lee County history. See exhibits from the life of "Father" John Dixon, the Blackhawk War, Civil War and other conflicts, local industry and attractions, the Truesdell Bridge disaster and President Ronald Reagan.

The Amboy Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is 272 acre of wetlands offering a rare and fragile ecosystem, which includes endangered turtles, many birds and unique plant life. It is located near the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and Mormon Road about 3 miles south of Amboy. Open to the public 7 days a week for walking and bird-watching. No dogs are allowed due to sensitive plant and wildlife.

This natural history museum displays prairies, woodlands, wetlands and other interesting exhibits illustrating life as it existed hundreds of years ago in Northern Illinois. Be sure to make a stop at the museum gift shop.

A bronze statue of Ronald Reagan, astride the likeness of a palomino horse he rode nearly 60 years ago, sits at the head of the Heritage Crossing Riverfront Plaza located on River Street in downtown Dixon. The statue, created by local artist Don Reed, serves as the centerpiece of Heritage Crossing, an open-air plaza that looks out onto the Rock River.

Step back in time to a gentler age when hospitality was an art form and life was unhurried. Relax in the elegant parlor, while away an hour on the front porch or explore many of the area's attractions and state parks. Located in a restored 1840's inn, guest rooms feature restored and functional antiques along with individual room telephones and cable TV. The lower level is a great place to hold meetings or celebrate special events.

Offers boat access to the Rock River, with a 50-ft. renovated boat launch. During the summer season, offers boat gas, concessions, paddleboat/rowboat/canoe rentals as well as 2 large shelters for family reunions and parties,

Peace and quite in the coutryside with an abundance of fresh air will make your stay. Enjoy bicycling, canoeing, antiquing or reading on the porch swing. In winter warm yourself in front of the fireplace when you return from skiing.

The Holiday Inn Express Rochelle is conveniently located to many of Rochelle area attractions and cities. We are the choice of many visitors who want to be near the cities of Rockford, Sycamore, Dixon and DeKalb, Illinois, which are only a short drive away. The hotel is also only minutes away from many area attractions including Northern Illinois University, Kishwaukee College, Magic Waters Water Park, Rochelle Rail Fan Park, and some of the best golf in Illinois.

This park provides a quiet scenic area ideal for family reunions and group gatherings. A large and a small shelter house, softball diamond, volleyball and basketball courts, playground, and wooded area are offered. A concession stand is open during softball season.

Our 18-hole golf course provides a serene backdrop to many of the course's lush fairways and manicured greens. There is a practice bunker, chipping-putting greens and well-equipped pro shop. Private and group lessons available from our PGA Professional. Clubhouse restaurant serves lunch and dinner from 11am–9pm.

The Van Raden Memorial Park features Lake Baalton, a three acre man-made lake stocked with bass, crappie, blue gill and catfish. A small shelter and playground area are also offered. A Veterans Memorial honoring all German Valley area service men and women, past or present is at the park